Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Isabel, SD — 2012-04-05

Final reportCEN12LA230
Sign in to save
Date
2012-04-05
Location
Isabel, SD, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N104MH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.

NTSB narrative

While maneuvering at low altitude during a coyote hunting operation, the helicopter experienced a partial loss of engine power. The helicopter descended, impacted trees and terrain, and rolled on its right side. There was a minor fuel leak but no postimpact fire. A postaccident examination of the helicopter did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the temperature and dew point about the time of the accident, the conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing at any power setting. The pilot reported that he was unsure if he had used carburetor heat for the accident flight. Available evidence suggests that the engine partially lost power in the absence of carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have applied carburetor heat to prevent ice accumulation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

Related mishaps